Martin Luther King Jr. was the famous American civil rights leader known for his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Delivered during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the speech emphasized the urgent need for racial equality and the importance of nonviolent activism. King envisioned a future where people would be judged by their character rather than the color of their skin. His words resonate in American history and civil rights movements, inspiring countless individuals to pursue social justice and equality. King's legacy remains a powerful symbol of hope and change.